The Chinese Special TRD Grille... on the cheap!

[Xetabur]

Just installed this grill on my Limited. To make the grille fit correctly I had to trip the bottom of the grille with my Dremel. I didn't want to fit correctly the first time around as the tap did no hold.

I added new tape and zipped tied the grill for 10 min or so. It is holding nice and strong now. Really happy of the new look.

Could you post some pics please? I’d like to see how it looks on a Limited.

 

[UncleBoobers]

Could you post some pics please? I’d like to see how it looks on a Limited.

I installed on my LTD a couple weekends ago. The fit was perfect.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Minneyota]

We just installed one on my wife’s Limited recently. The original tape did NOT hold and it came off in a car wash. We re-stuck it with the heavy duty Scotch 60lb double-sided tape. Looks really good on the Limiteds, IMO.

 

[91324]

We just installed one on my wife’s Limited recently. The original tape did NOT hold and it came off in a car wash.

Looks good. I’m surprised the 3M tape included with each grill didn’t hold. I haven’t been through any car washes but haven’t had it budge even a little after numerous pressure washer washes. Hopefully you’re all set now. [emoji1687]


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[4runnerbemore]

is this any good?

 

[91324]

is this any good?

Can’t speak to that one but it’s $150 without LEDs. You can snag the basic Pro grill for $125 or the LED version for $150 shipped from CarTrim and this entire thread can vouch for the quality and figment of the grills. Obviously it’s up to you in the end. [emoji846]

Basic:
Free Shipping For 2014-2019 Toyota 4Runner 2Piece Front Bumper Grille Replacement

LEDs:
Free Shipping With LED Light For 2014-2019 Toyota 4Runner Front Bumper Grille Replacement


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[4runnerbemore]

Can’t speak to that one but it’s $150 without LEDs. You can snag the basic Pro grill for $125 or the LED version for $150 shipped from CarTrim and this entire thread can vouch for the quality and figment of the grills. Obviously it’s up to you in the end. [emoji846]

Basic:
Free Shipping For 2014-2019 Toyota 4Runner 2Piece Front Bumper Grille Replacement

LEDs:
Free Shipping With LED Light For 2014-2019 Toyota 4Runner Front Bumper Grille Replacement


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Thank you so much bud!

 

[JAXJeremy]

Mine arrived on Monday. Already sanded and plan to hit it with trim paint before installing. Been looking through the thread trying to find the best way to make sure the letters are lined up. suggestions?

 

[shdw03]

Mine arrived on Monday. Already sanded and plan to hit it with trim paint before installing. Been looking through the thread trying to find the best way to make sure the letters are lined up. suggestions?

Test fit letters to see how the orientation affects the alignment holes (the "O" letters are different).

I used a pencil to mark the bottom of the letters to find a happy median. The letters have some play with the alignment so if they need to move a little up or down is ok.

Masking take to keep line.

I peeled off half the adhesive to start the application. Once I felt the orientation and alignment was good, I peeled the rest off and firmly pressed into place

The stock adhesive foam sucks. Its too loose and gives the letters too much play and rise, but mine has held ok for the past week or so.

on a side note... Attaching the bar is difficult. The shape of the overlay is not 100% true and I rushed to install mine. I have huge gaps at the ends and it doesn't sit as flush as i would like it to. It good from far, but far from good. Just haven't had the time to remove and reapply yet.

 

[JAXJeremy]

Test fit letters to see how the orientation affects the alignment holes (the "O" letters are different).

I used a pencil to mark the bottom of the letters to find a happy median. The letters have some play with the alignment so if they need to move a little up or down is ok.

Masking take to keep line.

I peeled off half the adhesive to start the application. Once I felt the orientation and alignment was good, I peeled the rest off and firmly pressed into place

The stock adhesive foam sucks. Its too loose and gives the letters too much play and rise, but mine has held ok for the past week or so.

on a side note... Attaching the bar is difficult. The shape of the overlay is not 100% true and I rushed to install mine. I have huge gaps at the ends and it doesn't sit as flush as i would like it to. It good from far, but far from good. Just haven't had the time to remove and reapply yet.

Thanks..I had a hell of a time with the letters...you're right about the tape that comes with them, it does feel loose. While I was installing the first T I wound up having to pull it off and add new tape to it..

to get the letters aligned I used an old decal installation trick..just a little bit of windex on the grill allows you the ability to align the letters..the windex will dry leaving the adhesive holding strong.

 

[Hans Moleman]

Is there any reason why the letters couldn’t be glued instead of using tape?

 

[JAXJeremy]

Is there any reason why the letters couldn’t be glued instead of using tape?

I'm assuming the factory means of attaching is using tape..however, you could certainly glue if that's your preference.

 

[DigitalRJH]

The adhesive on the tape will grow stronger as it sets over time. Also for those that are having trouble getting the garnish piece to fit properly heat it first it makes it more flexible and will fit easier.

 

[Hans Moleman]

I'm assuming the factory means of attaching is using tape..however, you could certainly glue if that's your preference.

I figure adhesive like super glue or epoxy would be better since some people say their letters are coming off.

I think the genuine Toyota one is molded so no worries around letters falling off.

 

[Minneyota]

Looks good. I’m surprised the 3M tape included with each grill didn’t hold. I haven’t been through any car washes but haven’t had it budge even a little after numerous pressure washer washes. Hopefully you’re all set now. [emoji1687]

I thought the 3M tape looked a little thin when it arrived and maybe I should have added some more since they shipped extra tape with the grille. Also, maybe it's because the Limited has a different cross-bar than the SR5/Off-Road trucks that it doesn't align with as well. We did suffer some road rash when it fell off - we didn't even notice it had fallen off for a couple of hours and luckily it was propped up against the wall at the car wash!

All is good now and I'm considering pulling the trigger on one for my SR5.

 

[JAXJeremy]

Done...

Thought the trickiest part was going to be the letters, it wasn't. For the actual grill cover, it definitely needed more adhesive. Mine came with 2 additional roles, but I had some better quality stuff from a previous project so that's what I used, adding a few more pieces near the edges. Anyway, having trouble getting the corners to lay down completely..Tried the heat gun but was nervous I might damage the paint. The tape you see was to help hold it down while I was using the heat gun but that didn't seem to work well. Not sure If I want to pull the cover an try again or see if I can heat it a little more to get it flat..I'll mess around with it over the weekend.

In the light..

Overall I really like the look, but I'd give it a B considering issues with the fitment.

 

[91324]

Done...



Overall I really like the look, but I'd give it a B considering issues with the fitment.

Looks great. Glad you like it. It’s just a cosmetic change but I feel like it really does add a huge difference. It makes the front end look so much sexier. [emoji102]



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[BamaT]

Just painted mine in SEM trim paint today. I don’t know if it will help/hurt with fade resistance but it sure looks better after being painted. Wish I had taken before/after.

 

[derekken]

Are you guys putting the cross bar on before the grille or after

 

[TwistedJake]